My current TC IS 120k, I am being offered a promotion in a consulting firm in either Dallas vs San Francisco vs L.A I am currently in Chicago. Please advise
I think this depends on your priorities and your preferences. Factors to consider: cost of living, housing goals, lifestyle, weather, culture, politics etc. I suspect if you re coming from Chicago which is a diverse and more moderate state, I would suggest SF and LA. Again depends on your preferences. I personally could never live in Texas regardless of lower cost of living.
Can you please expand on Texas? I am also a person of colour so I want to be in a very diverse atmosphere.
As an African American female raised in a large city, I find I personally do not do well in areas which are either not diverse, politically conservative, racial divide, etc. I used to travel to Austin monthly for work which is considered a good city in Texas. Despite lots of transplants, it was too different for me. I don’t know you but I spent a lot of time in Chicago since my sister is there. It would be a contrast living in the south. As a person of color, I suspect the transition to SF or LA will be easier. Keep in mind the cultures of Northern versus Southern Ca are different. Again it depends on what you prefer. My best career path was in SF. I have traveled to many cities for work and I personally find TX to not fit well for me. Again it all depends on your personal style. For example I didn’t like Seattle but lots of people love Seattle. It all depends on the person
@Curious456, thanks for the detailed response. How about commute and living conditions in SF/LA?
Commute across CA is one of the worst in the country per national data and LA being the worst. The traffic in LA is like no other 24/7. This is the only reason why LA has never been an option for me since I don’t like driving long meet distances. Bay Area is rough but better than LA but still tough. I do suggest you stay in an Airbnb for a time to check it out. Bay Area has so many opportunities so employers tend to treat their people well since they could hop over to another company ASAP. The cost of living is crazy and housing is a real challenge which can result in long commutes but for some, it’s worth it. Again as I said before it depends on what is important to you. I made the mistake of moving my family to a city I was absolutely miserable in because I didn’t think about the factors I mentioned above. It’s so subjective.
Don’t come to Bay Area if your single
Is LA better than San Francisco?
Yes. Cities are like night and day. You'll love L.A. coming from Chicago. Stay far away from San Francisco. Overrated. Very few people that look like you there. Dallas may be a good move. Schedule a short trip before making a move.
It really depends on your preferences and situation. I live in the SF Bay Area now but I lived in LA for years. I live in the Bay Area because of the countless tech jobs here. I can move between companies as I wish and make more money than I can anywhere else. I think LA is a better place to live in general, there’s more to do, better weather, nicer beaches, cheaper living, more diversity. Commuting sucks in LA but if you can live in an apartment close to work it is fine.
Yo OP get your name out of your handle
Does your new TC vary based on location? If not Dallas has the lowest cost of living by far.
Yes TC will be adjusted by location. Just thinking of the kind of work and client and also living circumstances.